Howsabout an easy eight-mile meander through some of the less challenging parts of the Hope Valley where a tributary of the River Noe winds its way through fields and villages with stonking views of the Great Ridge? It’s good to get lathered up Lose Hill, minging up Mam Tor and well warm up Win Hill but just occasionally it’s equally OK to take it a bit easier whether it’s hot or you’re just feeling bone idle.
I’ve parked on the road to Hope railway station. Head back to the main road, turn right then right again just after Aston Lane on a path that runs along the banks of the Noe with a good view of Win Hill away to your right. Go left at Bowden Lane, through the squeezer stile where it meets Edale Road and right soon after at the crossroads of paths for Lose Hill.
Just when it looks like I’ve given you a bum steer and you’re about to tackle its south west face, hang a left towards Mam Tor. It’s then a half-mile-or-so hop to Spring House Farm where a left-right shimmy puts you on a track that continues in the same direction, signposted Castleton. There are excellent views of Winnats Pass and Peveril Castle to your left.
Head left at Hollowford Lane then sharp right after about 200 yards on a stony path that leads to Dunscar Farm where you have no option but to turn left. At the road, make your way to the entrance to Speedwell Cavern. Look out for the path across National Trust land marked Longcliff heading slightly uphill towards the castle but fork left after a few hundred yards for Castleton. The path spills out onto Goose Hill. At the junction, follow the stream down to the main road.
Castleton and Win Hill beyond from near Speedwell Cavern.
Make your way through the village, diverting up Castle Street to the churchyard for a bench away from the crowds should you need a half-way break. There are plenty of noisier options. Head back to the main road and turn right at a track opposite a house called Glencoe just before the village peters out. It’s then a straightforward stroll back firstly along the banks of Peakshole Water then perilously close to the cement factory and over a railway line to a road.
Path on the homeward stretch.
Head left, almost immediately right then left onto a path that arrows straight for a Roman fort called Navio which you’ll find just after a footbridge although you’ll be hard-pressed to spot anything unless you have a background in archaeology. Turn left at the road, left just after the river and left again at the main road. Take the path on your right just after then go left at the road for Hope station. It’s an easy walk but one on which you can still enjoy the magnificence of Mam Tor, the allure of Lose Hill, the pulchritude of Peveril Castle and the enduring appeal of everywhere else around these parts.
Start: Station Road, Hope.
Highlights: Riverside stroll along the Noe at the start with the anticipation of all that lies ahead and maybe the downhill stretch towards Navio. Even with the noise from the quarry it’s a top spot with views of Bamford Edge and Stanage beyond.
Lunch: Castleton churchyard or pub if you must.
Song: Just a couple of days after Jimmy Somerville’s 60th birthday, here’s Smalltown Boy.
Distance/map: 8.2 miles, a good three hours. OS Explorer OL1 The Peak District/Dark Peak Area.
OS © Crown copyright [2021] CS-29042-R6R3Z6
Walks with welf 